This episode was better than the premiere, but something's still not right. I think it's tonal whiplash from the increased darkness of the last half of the second season leading into...secret dance parties.

I do love the behind-the-scenes look into the Fire Nation, like the fact that the history written by the victors includes an Air Nation Army and little Fire Nation students pledge allegiance to the Ozai. Every country has had a very distinct culture, which is very cool. Interestingly enough, the revisionist history on display here is very reminiscent of the Dai Li's brainwashing efforts in Ba Sing Se.

Remember, kids: stealing is wrong, except when it's from pirates...or the Fire Nation. (How the HELL did Toph know what to take?)

Sokka was a little over-the-top at times in this episode, but he also had a lot of moments of hilarity. "Hmm, I am a fan of secret rivers..." "This is my wife, Sapphire."

(And on the subject of Sokka:

Aang: "You get to be normal all the time."Toph: "Ha!"Me: "HAAAAAAA.")

Onji was cute, but her jerk boyfriend was...way jerky in a one-dimensional way. But sometimes an amusing way: "No one shows her ANYTHING...especially movements." Why would you put up with someone like that?

The delivery on "I already found a picture of Ozai. And here's one I made out of noodles!" was fucking priceless. Oh, Aang. Hotman this, hotman that! Flamey-o!

And then and then and then: Avatar does Footloose ahahahaha. Like, they couldn't have made it more blatant, and I've never even seen the movie. And then a few minutes later they did the old Spartacus trick. Wherever all those headbands came from.

But in the middle, there was dancing! So much dancing! And it was really kind of awesome and cool!!! I didn't know Katara had moves. And they're really pushing 'ships this season, I see. They brought back the Reddening Cheeks of Attraction.

I was sad they had to flee. I was looking forward to more of Aang's antics in Fire Nation school. That was funny stuff. Sunghi horn!

Meanwhile, in We Don't Want to Pay Greg Baldwin, Zuko tries to realize how much of an ass he is, and Iroh will have nothing of it.

"You're so beautiful when you hate the world.""I don't hate you.""I don't hate you too."

Haaaaaaaaa. Oh, Fire Nation love.

Thank you, Nicke-fucking-lodeon, for spoiling the last scene of the episode in the promo, you asses. I don't know who this crazy assassin is (well, I presume he's the guy mentioned in the magazine), but let's hope he is a fun villain. It's been a while since we had someone chasing after Aang and trying to kill him! It's just like old times again!

A fun episode, and I guess I have to remember that the beginnings of seasons are like this. Things will pick up, but for now, secret dance parties are plenty entertaining.

OMG CUPID!!! That would make me insanely happy if it actually happened. Then I might forgive ABC for the cancellation. Even if I have my reservations with different actors, I still would love to see the show get a chance to show again. Thanks for letting me know!

an adaptation of the New Zealand series Outrageous FortuneI'm.... not sure how I feel about that. It is a great TV show (probably the best NZ series ever) but most of what makes it awesome is how Kiwi it is. Although I guess if Rob Thomas is involved...

I loved Cupid back in the day. It is very random that ABC wants to bring it back though.

This episode was better than the premiere, but something's still not right. I think it's tonal whiplash from the increased darkness of the last half of the second season leading into...secret dance parties.

I don't agree. There was plenty of darkness in this one, it just had a little layer of childhood silliness right on top. But the revisionist history was really pretty creepy, as was the bit about being sent to the coal mines if he didn't shape up in school. It was all the usual dark, heavy themes, with a cheesy Kevin Bacon spread on top.

Also, it was probably answered by now, but Aang was using the school uniform belt as a headband. Which, I kind of assume he's going to keep?

From "They're enemy birds!" to Zuko and Iroh to Katara's "pregnancy" to the amazing water-bending dance.

"You're so beautiful when you hate the world.""I don't hate you.""I don't hate you too." I pretty much died laughing at this scene. It was so fabulous. Also, I loved how Zuko and Mai completely ignored Azula and went back to snogging. Then Mai's glare as she got up. Azula might find her loyalties are not where they once were...

I adored Zuko's visits to Iroh. They are so perfect to the character of Zuko. Despite everything, he's still the spoiled prince trying to balance his arrogance with his moral compass. First visit - Zuko throws the fireball in the wall in anger. Then he brings his olive branch - the chicken - and asks for help. Iroh says nothing... and then is heartbroken when Zuko leaves, not because of Zuko's words, but because he has to let his almost-son figure things out for himself. (insert Giles singing, "Wish I could play the father... and take you by the hand...").

What did Aang say to Appa about his dancing skills? Because I remember it being the best thing that ever happened.

Oh, except that to make up for buying me an anniversary present way late, Joe bought me BOTH SEASONS OF AVATAR ON DVD. (and all the Bourne books bc I wanted them). I THEN MADE HIM WATCH APPA'S LOST DAYS WITH ME. And at the end he's all, "They get back together, right?" BWAHAHA I AM CONVERTING HIM. Okay, I think I'm done.

Heh. Iroh as played by Anthony Stewart Head is a fantastic mental image.

Lol... this was the exact same thought that Brett and I had while watching the episode as well.

You're right about it being less dark than it was last season so far, but the complexity is still there, and like you said, it's the begining of the season. My heart broke for Iroh! Oh man. I can't wait to see where this all goes...

Fire Nation Dance Party was great :D

And I love "Go to your room" xD.1. Don't ya think that, Sokka's beard and mustache were sexy? :DD But I think his better... without it ;P2. I want more Toph's blind jokes xDD ! heheh3. Is there only me, or Katara was jealous? Aang and Onji xDD Aanji sucks ;P